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Rachel M. Self

Attorney Profile

Top Rated Immigration Attorney in Boston, MA

Rachel M. Self, P.C.
6 Beacon Street, Suite 825
Boston, MA 02108
Visit: https://www.attorneyself.com
Phone: 617-742-0191
Fax: 617-742-0194
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2019 - 2022
Selected to Rising Stars: 2009 - 2017
Licensed in Massachusetts Since: 2004
Practice Areas: Immigration: Consumer, Criminal Defense
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Attorney Profile

Rachel M. Self is the founder of her own firm located in Boston, Massachusetts, and she provides criminal defense and immigration law representation to clients throughout the area. In her immigration practice, she assists individuals in a variety of matters, including people who are seeking asylum as well as those who are facing deportation. Ms. Self also helps people who are attempting to qualify for permanent resident visas, including family-based petitions, and she provides representation to those who are seeking to become naturalized citizens. Her fluency in Spanish is a benefit in this particular part of her practice. 

Ms. Self provides defense representation to people who have been charged with state or federal offenses. The types of cases that she has handled in this regard have included driving under the influence, domestic violence, sex crimes, money laundering, assault and battery, drug possession and distribution, and juvenile crimes.

Since obtaining her Juris Doctor in 2004, Ms. Self has earned the respect of her colleagues for her dedication to her clients and high degree of ethics. The holder of a 10.0 "Superb" peer review rating through Avvo, she has also been named to The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40 for several consecutive years. Admitted to practice before all Massachusetts state courts, Ms. Self is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit. She is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Immigration Lawyers Association and the Massachusetts Bar Association.

Practice Areas
  • 60%Immigration: Consumer
  • 40%Criminal Defense
Focus Areas

Criminal Law

Selections

4 Years Super Lawyers
9 Years Rising Stars
  • Super Lawyers: 2019 - 2022
  • Rising Stars: 2009 - 2017

About Rachel M. Self

First Admitted: 2004, Massachusetts

Professional Webpage: https://attorneyself.com/profile/

Newsletters

  • President Biden’s proposed immigration bill devotes resources to cure the root causes of why people flee their homes in the first place," Self said. "No border can stop people from trying to save their families from gang violence or starvation. Until their homes are safe and prosperous, people will always migrate. President Biden’s bill does far more to address migration to the U.S. than President Trump’s unbuilt wall ever did or could., What will President Biden's Immigration Overhaul Mean for National Security?
  • It may be impossible to overstate the complexities of the immigration crisis playing out along the U.S. southern border. There are the legalities associated with the apprehension of hundreds of thousands of migrants during a surge this year that overwhelmed border facilities, along with changes in the asylum application process. The immigration system itself is facing unprecedented pressures, and all of this is playing out in a politically polarized environment., Reflecting on the Challenges of Immigration Law
  • Ms. Self said she urges people to seek out accurate information and know their rights., National Policies Spread Fear Among Vineyard Immigrants

Honors/Awards

  • AVVO Client's Choice Award, AVVO, 2013-2021., Client's Choice Award, AVVO
  • Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers, 2015
  • Top Immigration Attorney, Boston Magazine and Superlawyers, 2009-2017
  • Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers, 2013
  • Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers, 2016
  • Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers, 2012
  • Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers, 2014
  • Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyer, 2017

Other Outstanding Achievements

  • Rachel received the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40., 2013
  • Rachel received the Client's Choice Award for the second year in a row. She is rated a "10" Superb client rating by AVVO, a national lawyer listing service. To see Rachel's client reviews, click here: http://www.avvo.com/attorneys/02108-ma-rachel-self-1341417/reviews.html, 2014
  • Rachel received the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40., 2015
  • — Rachel received the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, 2017
  • Rachel received the Client's Choice Award and a "10" Superb client rating by AVVO, a national lawyer listing service. To see Rachel's client reviews, click here: http://www.avvo.com/attorneys/02108-ma-rachel-self-1341417/reviews.html, 2013
  • Rachel received the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers., 2014
  • — Rachel received the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40, 2016
  • Rachel received the National Trial Lawyers top 40 under 40., 2012
  • Rachel received the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40., 2014
  • Rachel received the Client's Choice Award for the seventh year in a row. She is rated a "10" Superb client rating by AVVO, a national lawyer listing service. To see Rachel's client reviews, click here: http://www.avvo.com/attorneys/02108-ma-rachel-self-1341417/reviews.html, 2019

Videos

Verdicts/Settlements

  • Rachel won the Commonwealth's Appeal of a successful Motion for New Trial.  , 2020
  • Rachel won a motion to suppress in a drug case, and the case was dismissed., 2021
  • Marriage Based Lawful Permanent Residence Granted., 2021
  • Rachel won a motion to suppress in an OUI case.  Case was dismissed., 2020
  • Motion to Reopen with Immigration Court granted, Immigration Court case terminated, Lawful Permanent Residence Granted., 2021
  • Rachel got a OUI-second case dismissed with prejudice.  Client was able to maintain his license to drive and case was closed., 2020
  • Rachel won a very complex I-601 waiver case for a client allowing her to obtain her lawful permanent residence., 2020
  • Rachel received Not Guilty verdict in sexual assault trial, 2018
  • Rachel won an appeal of a denial of citizenship.  The man is now a proud citizen of the USA., 2019
  • Rachel won a New Trial for a client who was denied admission at the airport because of the underlying conviction.  After the New Trial was granted the client was admitted to the United States and he was able to maintain his Lawful Permanent Residence status and was not placed into removal proceedings., 2019
  • Rachel was able to vacate two criminal convictions for her client to make him cancellation eligible before the immigration court.  She then won cancellation before the immigration judge and the client now has his Lawful Permanent Residence., 2018
  • Rachel recently obtained a Not Guilty verdict in a sexual assault trial., 2014
  • Rachel obtains approval in I-601A case for client.  Lawful permanent residence granted., 2017
  • Rachel obtained a Not Guilty in an Assult and Battery trial., 2012
  • Rachel received a Not Guilty in an OUI second offense jury trial., 2015
  • Rachel wins Motion for New Trial in Drug Possession case.  Charges dismissed.  Citizenship granted., 2016
  • Rachel wins Motion for New Trial on DUI charges.  Case dismissed.  Lawful Permanent Residence Granted., 2017
  • Rachel wins Motion for New Trial in Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon case.  All charges against client dismissed.  Citizenship granted., 2017
  • Rachel obtained a Not Guilty in a Threats and Assault and Battery Trial., 2013
  • Rachel obtained a Not Guilty in an Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon case., 2014
  • Rachel wins Motion for New Trial in Drug Trafficking case.  Charges dismissed., 2016
  • Rachel wins Motion for New Trial in larceny case.  Lawful permanent residence restored to client.  Deportation proceedings terminated., 2016
  • Rachel obtains favorable outcome for client charged with 2 counts of Rape.  All Rape charges dismissed., 2017
  • Rachel obtained a Not Guilty in a Assault and Battery and Assault and Battery of a Police officer trial., 2013
  • Rachel obtained a Not Guilty in a Threats and Assault and Battery trial., 2012
  • Rachel received a Not Guilty in a Reckless Driving trial., 2016
  • Rachel obtains a Not Guilty jury verdict for client wrongfully accused of several counts sexual assault., 2016
  • Rachel obtained a Nolle Prosequi in a drug trafficking case.  All charges against the client dismissed., 2017

Scholarly Lectures/Writings

  • MCLE’s intensive two-day Immigration Law: MCLE BasicsPlus!® seminar features lectures on immigration law and procedure—both from family and humanitarian-based, as well as employer-based immigration practice. Expert panelists provide an overview of laws, regulations, and agency policies, while providing tips and tricks to spot issues and assess the immigration options for your clients. This seminar covers the multifarious aspects of immigration law during an enforcement era and challenging environment. The two days provide you with an expansive analysis of the impact of changes to the administration and critical immigration issues you encounter during the course of your practice to develop your skills and help you successfully run a thriving immigration practice., Presenter, Immigration Court Procedure and Relief from Removal, MCLE , 2020
  • Shifting sands—how to traverse the uncertain and ever-changing landscape of the immigration consequences of criminal activity, Chair, The Latest in Crimmigration 2020, MCLE, 2020
  • Shifting sands—how to traverse the uncertain and ever-changing landscape of the immigration consequences of criminal activity, Chair, The Latest in Crimmigration, MCLE, 2019
  • How recent legal developments impact your practice Winning strategies in bond hearings Putting DHS to its burden & preserving issues for appeal Q &A, Panelist, Trends and Tactics in Removal Defense, AILA, 2019
  • In this new world of a presidential administration that has redefined immigration policy, we need to be ever vigilant in how we zealously advocate for our clients. How has the new administration and its policies affected representation of immigrants and immigrants with criminal issues? Is it a crime in itself to be "illegal"?, Chair, Crimmigration, MCLE, 2018
  • Chair, Crimmigration, MCLE, 2017
  • This seminar covers the multifarious aspects of immigration law during an enforcement era and challenging environment. The two days provide you with an expansive analysis of the impact of changes to the administration, critical immigration issues you encounter during the course of your practice, and special workshops to develop your skills and help you successfully run a thriving immigration practice., Immigration Court Procedure and Relief from Removal Presenter, MCLE Immigration Basics Plus, MCLE, 2018
  • Chair, Crimmigration, MCLE, 2016
  • Panelist, The Perfect Plea Bargain: What Defense Counsel Wants You to Know, AILA, 2017
  • Panelist, Immigration Basics Plus, MCLE, 2016
  • Lecturer - Advanced Topics in Litigation, AILA New England Immigration Law Conference, 2010
  • From Cuffs to Court – What Happens when ICE Detains Your Client? – Presenter, AILA New England Chapter, 2011
  • Advanced Immigration Litigation Practice, AILA New England Immigration Law Conference, 2011
  • Immigration Consequences of Criminal Conduct, Judicial Conference, 2011
  • Immigration Basics, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc, 2011
  • Mexican Judiciary Exchange Program on Criminal Law, Judicial Conference, 2012
  • Immigration and the Law, UMASS Dartmouth School of Law, 2012
  • Criminal Law and Immigration Law Training, Massachusetts Bar Association Conference, 2012
  • Panelist for Immigration Court Procedure and Relief from Removal, MCLE Immigration Basics, 2010
  • Moderator - EOIR Advanced Practice Stragies, 8th Annual New England AILA Advanced Immigration Strategies Conference, 2011
  • Guest Lecturer, Harvard University Introduction to the Law, 2013
  • Panelist, MCLE Basics Plus in Immigration Law, MCLE, 2013
  • Panelist, MCLE Zealous Advocacy in the District Courts, MCLE, 2014
  • Panelist, MBA Pitfalls for the Unwary - How to get citizenship without getting deported, Massachusetts Bar Association, 2014
  • Panelist, Criminal Defense and Immigration, MCLE, 2012
  • Panelist, Preparing Successful Affirmative Asylum Applications, Massachusetts Bar Association, 2013
  • Program Chair, Crimmgration 101, MCLE, 2014
  • Panelist, Mock Trial: Current Issues Under Padilla v. Kentucky, Massachusetts Bar Association, 2014
  • Panelist, MCLE Basics Plus Immigration Law, MCLE, 2014
  • Chair, Crimmigration 101, MCLE, 2014
  • Panelist, Categorial Approach - What Every Practitioner Needs to Know, AILA, 2015
  • Panelist, Crimmigration 101, AILA, 2016
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Office Location for Rachel M. Self

6 Beacon Street
Suite 825
Boston, MA 02108

Phone: 617-742-0191

Fax: 617-742-0194

Last Updated: 5/15/2022

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